Installation Manual
Installation Manual
D-design 30-230 A Transfer Switches
! DANGER
DANGER is used in this manual to warn of a
hazard situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
! WARNING
WARNING is used in this manual to warn of a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result death or serious injury.
! CAUTION
CAUTION is used in this manual to warn of a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in minor or moderate injury.
Refer to the outline and wiring drawings provided
with the 3ATS or 3NTS for all installation and
connection details and accessories.
Refer to User’s Guide 381333-400 for the Group
G Controller status display messages, time delays,
pickup and dropout settings, and adjustments.
3ATS
The 3ATS is an automatic transfer switch. It includes transfer
test, generator start/stop control, and generator exerciser.
3NTS
The 3NTS is an electrically-operated manual transfer switch
(non-automatic). It does not include generator start/stop
control and generator exerciser.
381333-402 A ASCO Power Technologies
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS
3ATS & 3NTS
Rating Label
Each transfer switch contains a rating label to define the loads
and fault circuit withstand/closing ratings. Refer to the label
on the transfer switch for specific values.
! WARNING
Do not exceed the values on the rating label.
Exceeding the rating can cause person injury or
serious equipment damage.
An experienced licensed electrician must install the transfer
switch.
Table of Contents
INSTALLATION
Mounting..........................................................2
Power Connections .........................................2
Engine Starting Contacts.................................3
FUNCTIONAL TEST
1- Manual Operation........................................3
2- Voltage Checks ...........................................4
3- Electrical Operation .....................................5
TESTING & SERVICE
Transfer Test ...................................................6
Preventive Maintenance ..................................6
Manual Load Transfer .....................................6
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................7
INDEX..............................................................8
381333-402 A
Page 1
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS
Installation
These transfer switches are factory wired and tested.
Installation requires mounting, connecting service cables, and
connecting engine start and auxiliary control circuits (if
required.).
Supporting Foundation
The supporting foundation for the enclosure must be level and
straight. Refer to the applicable enclosure outline drawing
included with the transfer switch for all mounting details
including door opening space.
If bottom cable entry is used, the foundation must be prepared
so that the conduit stubs are located correctly. Refer to the
enclosure outline drawing for specified area and location.
Provide cable bending space and ½ inch minimum clearance
to live metal parts. When a concrete floor is poured, use
interlocking conduit spacer caps or a wood or metal template
to maintain proper conduit alignment.
Mounting
Refer to the outline and mounting diagram and mount the
transfer switch according to details and instructions shown on
the diagram. Mount it vertically to a rigid supporting
structure. Level all mounting points by using flat washers
behind the holes to avoid distortion of the transfer switch.
NOTICE
Protect the transfer switch from construction grit
and metal chips to prevent malfunction or
shortened life of the transfer switch.
Line Connections
Refer to the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch.
All wiring must be made in accordance with the National
Electrical Code and local codes.
! DANGER
De-energize the conductors before making any line
or auxiliary circuit connections. Be sure that the
Normal and Emergency line connections are in
proper phase rotation. Place the engine generator
starting control in the OFF position. Make sure
engine generator is not in operation.
Page 2 ASCO Power Technologies
Installation Manual
Testing Power Conductors
Do not connect the power conductors to the transfer switch
until they are tested. Installing power cables in conduit, cable
troughs, and ceiling-suspended hangers often requires
considerable force. The pulling of cables can damage
insulation and stretch or break the conductor’s strands. For
this reason, after the cables are pulled into position, and before
they are connected, they should be tested to verify that they
are not defective or have been damaged during installation.
Connecting Power Cables
After the power cables have been tested, connect them to the
appropriate terminal lugs on the transfer switch as shown on
the wiring diagram provided with the transfer switch. Make
sure that the lugs provided are suitable for use with the cables
being installed. Standard terminal lugs are solderless screw
type and will accept the wire sizes listed on the drawings
provided with the transfer switch. Be careful when stripping
insulation from the cables, avoid nicking or ringing the
conductor. Remove surface oxides from cables by cleaning
with a wire brush. When aluminum cable is used, apply joint
compound to conductors. Tighten cable lugs to the torque
specified on rating label.
Three cable spacers are included with 150, 200, and 230
ampere transfer switches. When installing power cables, run
the cables through the cable spacers as shown in Figure 1.
Position the cable spacers within 1½ inches from the lugs.
NOTICE
The cable spacers must be located as shown for
150, 200, and 230 ampere transfer switches.
cable spacers
1 ½ inch
approximate
cable spacer
Figure 1. Cable spacers for 150, 200, and 230 ampere
transfer switches.
381333-402 A
Installation Manual
Controller Ground
A grounding wire must be connected to the controller’s lower
left mounting stud. Because the controller is mounted on the
enclosure door, a conductive strap must be used between the
enclosure and the door. This connection provides proper
grounding which does not rely upon the door hinges.
Engine Starting Contacts
The engine control contact connections (if used) are located on
the transfer switch. Connect signal wires to appropriate
terminals as specified in Table A and shown in Figure 2.
Table A. Engine Start Connections.
When normal Terminals on
source fails transfer switch
contact closes TB14 and TB15
contact opens TB14 and TB16
Figure 2. Engine starting contact label
and location on the left side of transfer switch.
Harnesses
The transfer switch is connected to the left side of the
controller by a plug-in harness (two plugs).
Auxiliary Circuits
Connect auxiliary circuit wires to appropriate terminals on the
transfer switch as shown on the wiring diagram.
Read all instructions on the wiring diagram and labels affixed
to the transfer switch. Note the control features that are
provided and review their operation before proceeding.
381333-402 A ASCO Power Technologies
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS
Functional Test
The functional test consists of three checks: manual
operation, voltage checks, and electrical operation.
NOTICE
Do these checks in the order presented to avoid
damaging the transfer switch.
1 – Manual Operation
A maintenance handle is provided on the transfer switch for
maintenance purposes only. Manual operation of the transfer
switch should be checked before it is energized (operated
electrically).
! WARNING
Do not manually operate the transfer switch until
both power sources are disconnected: open both
circuit breakers.
1. After deenergizing both power sources, open the enclosure
door. Locate the maintenance handle on the left side of the
transfer switch. See Figure 3
2. Grasp the attached maintenance handle and turn it with
thumb and fingers as shown to manually operate it. The
maintenance handle turns the opposite direction of the
weight. Move it up or down as shown to manually operate
the transfer switch. It should operate smoothly without any
binding. If it does not, check for shipping damage or
construction debris.
3. Return the transfer switch to the Normal position.
Note: If Normal and Emergency connections are reversed this
operation is also reversed.
Position of the transfer switch is indicated here.
weight marked N (normal)
and E (emergency)
maintenance
handle
weight
floating
weight
With ALL POWER OFF grasp
maintenance handle and turn it
quickly with your thumb and fingers.
Figure 3. Maintenance handle and positions.
Page 3
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

Close the normal source circuit breaker. The

normal source accepted and the load on normal
lights should come on.
1

Use an accurate voltmeter to

check phase to phase and
2 phase to neutral voltages
present at the transfer switch
normal source terminals.
Close the emergency source circuit breaker.
(Start generator, if necessary.) The emergency
source accepted light should come on.
3
Normal Source Load on Load on Emergency
Accepted Normal Emergency Source Accepted

Use an accurate voltmeter to

Figure 4. Four indicator lights. check phase to phase and
4 phase to neutral voltages
present at the transfer switch
2 – Voltage Checks emergency source terminals.*
First check the nameplate on the transfer switch; rated voltage
Use a phase rotation meter to
must be the same as normal and emergency line voltages.
check phase rotation of
5 emergency source; it must be
! DANGER the same at the normal
source.
Use extreme caution when using a meter to
measure voltages in the following steps. Shut down the engine-generator, if applicable.
Do not touch power terminals; shock, burns, or The emergency source accepted light should go
off. Then put the starting control selector switch
death could result! (on the generator set) in the automatic position.
Perform steps 1 through 6 at the right. Observe the indicator 6 Close the enclosure door.
lights. See Figure 4.

● Black circle means the light is on.

○ White circle means the light is off.
Continue to 3 – Electrical Operation on the next page.
* If necessary, adjust the voltage regulator on the generator
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The
transfer switch will respond only to the rated voltage specified
on the transfer switch nameplate.
Also see User’s Guide 381333-400 for voltage settings in the
controller.

Page 4 ASCO Power Technologies 381333-402 A

Installation Manual ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS

The normal source must be available and the generator

must be ready to start. Check that the normal source
accepted light is on.
1

For 3ATS press the transfer button.

The engine should start and run
within 15 seconds. For 3NTS the
generator must be started manually
at the generator.
2
The emergency source accepted light should come on.

Observe For 3ATS the transfer switch should transfer to the

Press this these emergency position. The load on emergency light
button lights should come on and the load on normal light should go
off. For 3NTS press the transfer button for load transfer.
Figure 5. Transfer button and indicator lights. If the transfer to emergency delay
is used, the transfer occurs after a
3 time delay. For immediate transfer
3 – Electrical Operation (bypass timer) press the transfer
This procedure will check the electrical operation of the button again.
transfer switch.

! WARNING
For 3ATS the transfer switch should transfer back to the
Close the transfer switch enclosure door and
normal position. The load on normal light should come
tighten the screws before you test electrical on and the load on emergency light should go off.
operation. For 3NTS press the transfer button for load retransfer.
Perform steps 1 through 5 at the right. Observe the status If the retransfer to normal delay is
lights. See Figure 5. used the retransfer should occur
4 after a time delay. For immediate
● Black circle means light is on. retransfer (bypass timer) press the
transfer button again.
○ White circle means light is off.
NOTE: For 3NTS manually start the emergency generator at
the generator. Then press the transfer button for load transfer.
If the inphase transfer feature is activated, transfer may not For 3ATS the unloaded running delay keeps the
occur immediately. Transfer will occur when the phase generator running for a cool-down period. Then the
relationship between sources is correct. Press the transfer generator should stop and the emergency source
button again for load retransfer to normal, then manually stop accepted light should go off. For 3NTS manually stop
the generator at the generator. 5 the generator at the generator (after a cool-down period).
Also see User’s Guide 381333-400 for inphase transfer and
time delay settings in the controller.
This completes the functional test of the transfer switch.
Leave the engine-generator starting control in the automatic
position.

381333-402 A ASCO Power Technologies Page 5

ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

Testing & Service Replacement Parts

When ordering replacement parts provide the Serial No., Bill
Transfer Test of Material No. (BOM), and Catalog No. from the transfer
Operate the transfer switch at least once a month by following switch nameplate. In the US call 800-800-2726 (ASCO) or
the Electrical Operation procedure on page 5. contact customercare@asco.com.

Preventive Maintenance Manual Load Transfer

Reasonable care in preventive maintenance will insure high This procedure will manually transfer the load if the controller
reliability and long life for the transfer switch. An annual is disconnected.
preventive maintenance program is recommended.
! WARNING
ASCO Services, Inc. (ASI) is ASCO Power
Technologies’ national service organization. Do not manually operate the transfer switch until
ASI can be contacted at 1-800-800-2726 for both power sources are disconnected: open both
information on preventive maintenance agreements. circuit breakers.
1. Deenergize both the normal and emergency source (open
Yearly Inspection both circuit breakers).
2. Use the maintenance handle to manually operate the
! DANGER transfer switch to the opposite source. See page 3, Manual
Operation.
Hazardous voltage capable of causing shock, 3. Close the enclosure door. If the transfer switch is in the
burns, or death is used in this transfer switch. emergency position, manually start the generator and then
Deenergize both Normal & Emergency power close the emergency source circuit breaker.
sources before performing inspections!
Clean the enclosure. Deenergize all sources, then brush
and vacuum away any excessive dust accumulation. Remove
moisture with a clean cloth.
Inspect the transfer switch contacts. Deenergize all
sources, then remove the transfer switch barriers and check the
contact condition. The non-replaceable main contacts are
designed to last the life of the transfer switch. Reinstall the
barriers carefully.
Maintain transfer switch lubrication. Under normal
operating conditions no further lubricating is required. Renew
factory lubrication if the transfer switch is subjected to severe
dust, abnormal operating conditions, or if the TS coil is
replaced. Order lubricant 625550-001 (Castrol Endurex®
4000 lubricant).
Check all cable connections & retighten them.
Torque to values shown on the transfer switch label.

Page 6 ASCO Power Technologies 381333-402 A

Installation Manual
Troubleshooting
Problem
For 3ATS the generator set does
not start when the transfer button
is pressed or when the normal
source fails.
For 3ATS the transfer switch does
not transfer the load to the
emergency source after the
generator starts.
For 3ATS the transfer switch does
not transfer the load to normal
source when normal returns or
after transfer test.
For 3ATS the generator does not
stop after load retransfer to the
normal source.
Not in auto light is always on.
Alert light is on.
381333-402 A
1 2
Operation
The outage must be long
enough to allow for the
feature 1C time delay
plus engine cranking and
starting time.
Wait for the feature 2B
time delay. For
immediate transfer,
press the transfer button
(bypass timer). If
inphase transfer is
active, wait for inphase
condition. For 3NTS
press the transfer button.
Wait for the feature 3A
time delay. For
immediate retransfer,
press the transfer button
(bypass timer). If
inphase transfer is
active, wait for inphase
condition. For 3NTS
press the transfer button.
Wait for the feature 2E
time delay.
For 3NTS this light is
always on, indicating it is
a manual transfer switch.
Read the display for
more information.
Refer to User’s Guide
381333-400.
ASCO Power Technologies
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS
Check in Numerical Sequence
3
Generator Voltage
Starting control must be in
automatic position.
Batteries must be
-
charged and connected.
Check wiring to the
engine starting contacts.
Voltmeter should read at least
Is the emergency source
90% of nominal phase to
accepted light on?
phase voltage between
Generator output circuit
transfer switch terminals EA
breaker must be closed.
and EC (or EL1 and EL2 for 2
Generator frequency must
pole switches). *
be correct.
* These are factory settings.
Voltmeter should read at least
90% of nominal phase to
phase voltage between
transfer switch terminals NB
-
and NC, NC and NA, and NA
and NB (or NL1 and NL2 for 2
pole switches). *
* These are factory settings.
Starting control must be in
-
automatic position.
- -
- -
Page 7
ASCO 3ATS & 3NTS Installation Manual

INDEX
A I S
alert light, 7 inphase transfer feature, 5, 7 source acceptable lights, 4, 5
see User’s Guide 381333-400 inspection, 6 starting contacts, 3
ASI is ASCO Services Inc. installation, 2 starting control, 7
800-800-2726(ASCO) starting problem, 4, 7
customercare@asco.com L stopping problem, 7
automatic operation, 3ATS, 5 lights, 4, 5, 7
auxiliary circuits, 3 line connections, 2 T
load on emergency light, 4, 5 terminals, 2, 3
B load on normal light, 4, 5 testing power conductors, 2
battery, 7 lubrication, 6 time delays, 5, 7
transfer button, 5, 7
C M transfer problem, 7
cable spacers, 2 maintenance, 6 troubleshooting, 7
cables, power, 2 maintenance handle, 3, 6
connections, 2, 3 WARNING, 3, 6 V
controller manual load transfer, 6 voltage checks, 4, 7
see User’s Guide 381333-400 WARNING, 3, 6
controller ground, 3 manual operation, 3 W
cooldown, generator, 5, 7 WARNING, 3, 6 WARNING statements, 1, 3, 5, 6
manual transfer, 3NTS, 5
D membrane controls, 4, 5
DANGER statements, 1, 2, 4, 6 mounting, 2

E N
electrical operation, 5 non-automatic 3NTS, 5, 7
emergency source accepted light, normal source accepted light, 4, 5
4, 5 not in auto light, 7
engine starting contacts, 3
O
F operation, electrical, 5
foundation, 2
frequency, 7 P
functional test, 3 phase rotation, 4
preventive maintenance, 6
G problem, 7
generator, 3, 4, 5, 7
ground, controller, 3 R
rating label, 1
H replacement parts, 6
harness, 3 retransfer button, 5, 7
HELP 800-800-2726(ASCO)
customercare@asco.com

Printed in U.S.A. © ASCO Power Technologies, L.P. 2013

Page 8 ASCO Power Technologies 381333-402 A